Blood makes noise

[Recall]

The Parthenon - Conference Room

Vivica was so wrapped up in knowing that Blaze was okay that she almost didn't notice when Alison suddenly appeared in the conference room. Their eyes locked for a moment as Vivica took a moment to look at the woman in front of her. She hadn't seen Alison in a VERY long time, and if Vivica was being honest...she hadn't had the easiest of relationships with the precog. They had no bad blood between them really but Alison was Cameron's SISTER...his biological sister.

When she first found out that Cameron had a sister, her world was a little rocked. And then to know how hard her and Cameron's relationship had been for so long, for a while she REALLY didn't like Alison. Cameron had spent his entire life alone before he met Vivica. Her family had taken him in when he had nobody and to find out that he had not one but TWO sisters and that Alison had LEFT him when Cameron had needed her the most, when he needed to be PROTECTED from their mother? Well...it took a long time for Vivica to warm up to Alison. She respected Alison and in seeing just what a positive influence Alison ended up being in his life, helping Cameron find a peace and balance in himself..a piece of his life that been missing for so long, she had reached a more comfortable place in her feelings towards Alison.

STILL...at some point Vivica DID want to have a conversation with Alison. She wanted Alison to know just WHAT her brother had went through, just WHAT he had gone through in her absence...AND she wanted Alison to understand and respect how Vivica had taken care of him over the years...maybe if she had KNOWN that earlier on..she might not have been a party to leaving Vivica to bleed out at the Cassadine Compound in Greece...but then again...that was JUST as much Cameron's fault as any member of The Six.

Alison told them that The Purifier had in fact been a trap set by the leader of the religious group. Vivica shook her head. There was no win in that situation. Part of her was pissed off that she hadn't taken the woman's life when she had the chance, but then she realized she would have unleashed something devestating into the air of New York City, which was just as bad. She did what she thought was the best thing to do and she was not going to make any apologies for it.

The tension between Delilah and Alison was incredibly thick. Vivica had not been present for The Blue Moon Caper. She hadn't seen the words that were exchanged and she hadn't been witness to the series of events leading up to it...so she REALLY couldn't have an opinion of it one way or another. Still...she hoped that the women could work out their differences at some point because ever since Vivica had been back into the orbit of The Six...she had noticed that their dynamic was fractured...and not in a good way.

Soon...Alison was off as Delilah turned to Vivica and Haleigh.

Delilah: "What can you tell us about the initial attack? How can we keep them from getting Cameron the same way."

Vivica thought for a moment.

"To be honest...it all happened incredibly fast, one minute I was standing next to Cassandra and the next..some of 'portal' manifested itself behind her. It didn't look like it was somebody's ability though...it felt different..like it was a technology of sorts...and there were two men on the other side...dressed in armor that resembled SENTINELS...So unless we are able to be on top of Cameron at all times, I'm not sure how we are going to be able to get around that..."

She thought for a moment, hoping that Oracle had gotten a clear view of that portal. Maybe she could decipher what kind of technology was being used. For a moment, Vivica somewhat felt like a traitor among friends. She hadn't necessarily revealed her involvement with Valkyrie, Oracle and Orion...but then again? The Six had NEVER really considered her one of their own and although BLAZE had bridged the gap between them..Vivica had to live her life in a way that worked for her. These new colleagues were allowing her to be on the ground floor, to really be involved in helping people the way that SHE wanted...and she wasn't going to give that up OR feel bad about it. Vivica would reveal the information SHE knew when it was the RIGHT moment to do it and she would reveal the information that was privvy to them only.

They watched on the screen as Alison began her interrogation of Deborah. It was swift and brutal, much like the woman who was running it...but as Alison shattered the Purifiers knee from her body and Deborah began to VOMIT a glowing substance before thousands of bug like things shot from her body from all directions, Vivica's eyes widened in horror as she gripped Blaze's hand a little tighter, shaking her head in disbelief. The swarm stood still due to Alison's power as she reappeared in the Conference Room...and proceeded to show them just WHAT would have happened if they had proceeded with their original plan. She wasn't doing this to torture the group so much as she was trying to SHOW them that The Purifiers were NOT some disorganized religious group of zealots just looking to cause trouble. They had a plan, they had resources and they had POWER. Alison was trying to make this CLEAR to the group.

They wanted you to bring her here, so that you would do their work for them.

I have brought you some time now. They were NOT expecting ME to disrupt their carefully laid trap. They will be forced to regroup.

:: She stretches out her hand. A swirl of black/blue orbs forms on the table as a solitary WILD SENTINEL insect appears on the table.::

I have ensured that it will NOT resume function.


Use this to try to establish a technological trail BACK to the source. That will be your best chance.

Prophet, use your psi powers. You've established a mind link with Ruby before. The psi path still exsists. FIND HER. Use HER EYES to see her surroundings.

But before you do that, I want to speak to you and Persephone. Privately.

Vivica was relieved that Alison had bought them some much needed time. As Alison, Ava and Cameron left the room, Vivica turned to the group, cracking her head back and forth.

"Well...that was one HELL of an assist from Miss Marble.."

[looking around]

"This group is FAR better funded and motivated than I think we all thought. There is no way they could have the kind of resources that they do without some kind of backer...and a BIG one at that. I think it would be worth taking a look at bigger anti-mutant groups in the area...they could be using The Purifiers are a front...to do the dirty work they can't do publically...Hell even politicians in the city...So far the attacks have been centralized to the city. Somebody could be taking money and SPENDING money to promote some kind of hysteria for votes..."

 

[Rampage]

Alison made her way to the interrogation room and proceeded to impress him with her efficient brutality. As she shattered the woman's knee, she fell back and erupted into a swarm of...looked like tiny wasp sentinel THINGS.

Alison dispatched the swarm and then came back upstairs to reveal what she had seen had they acted in a...different manner. It was unsavory to say the least and Nicolas was relieved ONCE AGAIN to be on her side.

He picked up one of the bugs as he listened to Vivica.

"Well...that was one HELL of an assist from Miss Marble.."

[looking around]

"This group is FAR better funded and motivated than I think we all thought. There is no way they could have the kind of resources that they do without some kind of backer...and a BIG one at that. I think it would be worth taking a look at bigger anti-mutant groups in the area...they could be using The Purifiers are a front...to do the dirty work they can't do publically...Hell even politicians in the city...So far the attacks have been centralized to the city. Somebody could be taking money and SPENDING money to promote some kind of hysteria for votes..."

Nicolas recalled the events of earlier with Dominique...

Dominique said:

Nicolas...William Stryker is a dangerous threat to the security of the Hellfire Club, particularly it's Inner Circle, of which I am the Black Queen.

As such, I have wide latitude to deal with threats to the Hellfire Club and especially to the Inner Circle as I see fit. His position as the senator is one that he is not using to benefit the Hellfire Club, as most of the Inner Circle believes. Rather he is using the Hellfire Club as a source of strategy and intelligence...to an ENEMY that is targeting mutants and metahumans specifically.

Stryker is an anti-mutant zealot...with dangerous connections. He must be dealt with.

Was this what she meant? Not sure and not willing to connect Isis to this, so Nicolas changes the subject slightly.

This tech. Portals. Nano-sentinels, Wasp forms. It all bears the mark of Mystech. No one else aside from them has come after us so comprehensively and with such targeted precision. Or has shown these capabilities. So who has inherited these capabilities...who has sprung up to take their place?

 

[Black Widow]

The only one who even blinked was Alison. Nobody else really noticed..... but it seemed like Haleigh had managed to change the flow of events, with the help she'd received.

Athena...... thank you, is all I can say. Fucking Thank You.

Delilah: What can you tell us about the initial attack? How can we keep them from getting Cameron the same way.

Vivica: To be honest...it all happened incredibly fast, one minute I was standing next to Cassandra and the next..some of 'portal' manifested itself behind her. It didn't look like it was somebody's ability though...it felt different..like it was a technology of sorts...and there were two men on the other side...dressed in armor that resembled SENTINELS...So unless we are able to be on top of Cameron at all times, I'm not sure how we are going to be able to get around that...

"Um, Vivica? Technology is kind of my thing."

She stood up, walking over and refilling her glass, feeling the tension as they powered up the monitors, tablet sized screens that raised up out of the table in from of each chair.

Alison reappeared, holding a meat tenderizer.

"Oh, this is gonna be AWESOME."

Deborah: You....you're HIS SISTER. Our Lady of Justice SAID you would appear to test me. But i will not faint. I will not deviate from my mission. I have the annointing of the Lord!

"You've got to be fucking kidding me with this shit......"

Deborah: No...no weapon formed against me shall prosper...every mutant that rises against me shall...

She stopped in between Cameron and Delilah's chairs.

"Apparently she's not kidding."

Alison smashed the girl's hand, and then her knee.

"Yeah, like I said, AWESOME."

Deborah (convulsing): "His...will...be...DONE!"

And she spewed forth a swarm of little insect nanobots. Haleigh leaned towards the nearest monitor, Cameron's, to get a closer look, resting one hand on the table.

Ava: How attractive.

"How fucking amazing."

Cameron: Oh my god...Whoever did this...they...REALLY want us dead...

She gave him a look that said 'duh, motherfucker, doesn't everybody?', and Alison reappeared. Haleigh stood up, but simply sat back on the conference table, one leg still on the floor, much like she had when Athena had been there.

Alison: There was a time activator in her body. The moment Cameron, Haleigh or anyone ELSE in this room stepped foot into that room, it would have activated. She wasn't expecting to see ME. Which proves what I suspected the moment I became aware of the "False One" (the "precog") She can't account for ME or my movements. Any information she has on me is due to my link to Cameron. If any of you had come into that room...

FLASH

<< Black Widow, falling to the ground, no longer alive, but not quite dead. Her body is now conduit for INFECTION and VIOLENCE as the T.O. Virus RADIATES from her and is carried ALL THROUGH the hotel by the wild sentinels; Persephone seizing, with her hands to her head, her eyes and mouth rupturing as wild sentinels fly into and OUT of them; MorningStar being devoured by the wild sentinels, her body being CUT UP by their lasers while others CARRY AWAY pieces of it to feed on; INNOCENT patrons in the hotel, scream, panicking, running every which way, but still falling prey, DYING in the swarm. Prophet screaming as a pack of wild sentinels BURSTS through his stomach, spreading out all around him and enveloping him.>>

<< OUTSIDE the building, it begins to crack and tremble, before FALLING>>

FLASH

"Cheery."

Alison: They wanted you to bring her here, so that you would do their work for them. I have brought you some time now. They were NOT expecting ME to disrupt their carefully laid trap. They will be forced to regroup. (She produced one of the wild sentinels) I have ensured that it will NOT resume function. Use this to try to establish a technological trail BACK to the source. That will be your best chance.

Alison tossed it in her direction and she caught it in one hand, holding it up and visually inspecting it as the others talked.

Alison: Prophet, use your psi powers. You've established a mind link with Ruby before. The psi path still exsists. FIND HER. Use HER EYES to see her surroundings.

Vivica: Well...that was one HELL of an assist from Miss Marble.

sure as fuck beats the MURDER we almost got from her.....

Vivica: This group is FAR better funded and motivated than I think we all thought. There is no way they could have the kind of resources that they do without some kind of backer...and a BIG one at that. I think it would be worth taking a look at bigger anti-mutant groups in the area...they could be using The Purifiers are a front...to do the dirty work they can't do publically...Hell even politicians in the city...So far the attacks have been centralized to the city. Somebody could be taking money and SPENDING money to promote some kind of hysteria for votes...

Nicolas: This tech. Portals. Nano-sentinels, Wasp forms. It all bears the mark of Mystech. No one else aside from them has come after us so comprehensively and with such targeted precision. Or has shown these capabilities. So who has inherited these capabilities...who has sprung up to take their place?

"We dealt with that one group right before Viper..... Wilpharma. I'll bring up those files for us."

 

[MorningStar]

The Parthenon, Executive Conference Room

"To be honest...it all happened incredibly fast, one minute I was standing next to Cassandra and the next..some of 'portal' manifested itself behind her. It didn't look like it was somebody's ability though...it felt different..like it was a technology of sorts...and there were two men on the other side...dressed in armor that resembled SENTINELS...So unless we are able to be on top of Cameron at all times, I'm not sure how we are going to be able to get around that..."

“Cameron, ask your” sociopath whore of a “sister about a warding spell when she returns - something that can block portal generation.”

SHE certainly wasn’t going to talk to that rabid dog – Alison was on a one-way train to crazy town and making all the stops.

Delilah watched silently as Alison entered the holding cell where the Purifier Deborah was being kept.

It was ridiculous, but she kept that to herself. The whole meat tenderizer show was for THEM, not for the Purifier. Fanatics don’t respond to torture – any rookie cop knows that. Alison already knew what was going to happen with her – she had told them as much; the torture was just so that the Hot Tub Time Machine could feel important and badass. FAIL. It just made her look pompous and self-important.

A bunch of grossness happened (which of course, ALISON had made sure she was there to save the day from – funny how her visions could be changed when it suited HER), and then she returned to the conference room to show them what could have happened if St. Alison hadn’t been there to rescue them.

What the hell is the point of this?

There was absolutely no need to show Haleigh any of that – or any of them, for that matter. The last thing Black Widow needed to do right now was worry about unleashing the T Virus. That stupid bitch needed people to kiss her ass so badly that she was making bad decisions – nothing new for her.

Cameron and Ava left the room with Alison.

“Swell, more secrets.”

"Well...that was one HELL of an assist from Miss Marble.."

Delilah rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, and she made sure we were ALL watching…”

Nicolas, Vivica, Haleigh and Delilah were left to discuss who could be behind this – and of course the name MysTech came up. Haleigh brought up WilPharma.

“This is personal: someone is specifically targeting the Six. So it's not just anti-mutant or someone who acquired MysTech's toys at a black market garage sale. Who hates us enough to not only kill us, but to make it hurt? Haleigh, what do your agents on Bishop and Bianca Ceasul say?”

She didn't bother to ask if CI had been keeping tabs on their old associates - with Haleigh, that was a given.

"And I hate to state the obvious, but we did see Malice today..."

 

[Harbinger]

Elsewhere in the Parthenon

:: Once they were alone, Harbinger pulls her baby brother into a hug, without hesitation, and in front of Ava. She wasn't known for expressing her emotions, but with some...like Ava and Cameron, it was easier to do.::

It's all happening so fast...and yet, there's a PERSONAL touch to all of it.

:: She said softly as she let Cameron go and stood before him and Ava.::

...

I am deeply relieved that Sally will recover. Recall acquitted herself QUITE WELL in that situation.

And so did you, Ava, your actions saved Firebird's life.

I asked you both for a private word, because I have some things I want to say to both of you that are vitally important.

Cameron, as Ava explained, a big part of the reason why I've been keeping my distance through this and must continue to do so after this time we share, is because the purifiers have a powerful advantage, one that is making my mystic alarms SCREAM to the point of a headache. they have already strike a blow and there are more to come. I must find and REMOVE the source of their "visions", it is the only way the rest of the team will SURVIVE long enough to get to the heart of this threat and neutralize it.

But there is another part of why I've kept my distance.

:: She looked at him and without hestitation...::

I fucking hate Delilah and I want to KILL her.

:: She said it matter of factly, as one might discuss the findings on a lab report.::

But my love for you is stronger than my hatred of her, so here I am.

Now, I need you to listen to me.

:: Taking his hand into her own::

You need to be prepared. In less than 24 hours, you WILL be taken. There is NOTHING the others can do to stop it. As I told Ava when I first appeared before her, I spent HOURS viewing all likely and REMOTE time threads leading to and away from both yourself and Cass. In every instance, you ARE taken. It isn't a question of IF...only WHEN.

I...I thought of TAKING YOU AWAY from here. Even if it was against your will!

But that wouldn't be right. I don't want to rob you of your choice, even if I AM trying to protect you. I made that mistake once before...with someone who wasn't even WORTH the effort or concern.

Moreover, We don't run from our problems. You learned long ago the folly of doing that. And I won't leave the rest of the team to face a bleak outcome either...although if it were just DELILAH?

:: She smiled sweetly as Cameron chided her a bit for that, she moves on, being serious again::

RUBY'S life is encompassed by the death glow. They want to make an EXAMPLE of her. While YOU....they want for another purpose. One that is not necessarily THEIR OWN and that is what troubles me. My vision allows me to see the general threat we are facing but there is something BEHIND it. ANOTHER temporal anamoly and yet...it still feels...FAMILIAR to me, as if I should KNOW who it is that is hiding....in PLAIN SIGHT!

Prepare yourself, Cameron. Ready yourself with the gains you have gained in mind, spirit and power. You will NEED all of your physical and mental skills.

:: Turning to Ava and taking her hand::

Ava, you have rebuffed me at every attempt to find out what has been troubling you. Even my baby brother could sense it with his empathy. But I can SEE far more than he can sense.

Out of RESPECT for you, I will not share it, but out of NECESSITY for YOU and this team, I must WARN YOU.

If you DON'T find some reconcilliation in yourself within the next 24 hrs? You will be LESS than capable of protecting yourself OR the ones you love.

The most likely time thread...involves you...attempting to save the LIVES of 42 small children. They are cared for by a woman, a psychic/clairvoyant, who Alycia and Sharon have close ties to. The Purifiers...

:: She shuts her eyes::

They are going to launch a massive attack against these children and YOU will be in the area, but if you do NOT get yourself together, you will falter...and you will FAIL and those children will not survive.

Your power is tied to your emotions, Ava. If you are not centered, if you are not in control ...you will be a liability to yourself and those around you. Haleigh is going to need the strength and STABILITY of those who are best able to give it. You, Nicolas, Blaze, Alycia. NOT Delilah. She will DEVIATE from the team at some point in the very near future during this caper. Her judgement CANNOT be trusted.

The Purifiers are not finished...and they are not going to stop even after Cameron is taken.

You must prepare yourselves. ALL of you.

I will do everything I can on my end.

 

[Silver Swan]

Back on Rose's roof top

"Nothing official, yet, just a few people with aligned interests who want to stop these racist ANIMALS."

(Chuckling) "well you needn't sign a contract with us or anything...... and technically you WOULD be aiding the Six. Mutant hate is a problem for us ALL."

She didn't really seem sold on the idea. He glanced around for an idea.

"Look, you don't have to say yes right now. I'd be happy to introduce you to the people I'm working with, why don't we start there?"

Very well.

But first, I'll need to contact Alycia.

<< Sharon's gryfalcons return and ROSE appears almost simultaneously. Despite the noticeable changes in Sharon, Rose greets her warmly and without hesitation. Sharon is relieved to see that Rose is ALIVE and okay for the moment. Zach and Rose are formally introduced and once Rose learns that Zach has been carrying on the support that Alycia had been providing her before she "retired" she thanks him.>>

<< Once inside, Katie is given the chance to shower and will have a warm meal waiting for her along with a small bedroom to call her own. It will be the first chance in the last 24 hrs she's had to even TRY and sleep, but at least she's safe. The grieving process will begin once the shock has worn off, but ROSE is a gentle, nurturing caregiver and a real mother figure to all the children in her charge. Katie will be no different. Zach assures Rose and Sharon that there will be no outside interference in trying to extract Katie. He will connect with Alycia to handle all the legal issues regarding Katie, now that both of her parents are gone.>>

<< Sharon promises Rose that she and Alycia will check in on her personally in a few hours but in the meantime, she advises her to keep the building secure, defenses UP and that there will be birds outside around the area so that if anything DOES happen, Sharon will know almost immediately and get there as fast as she can.>>

<< Zach and Sharon are soon back on the roof top, alone. Sharon has tried Alycia repeatedly, but no response as of yet...>>

Alycia must be...preoccupied with something. It's not like her to be so slow to respond.

I have no reason to suspect that she's in direct danger at this time though.

[ Looking at Zach]

Now that Katie is safe...you said that you were working with people? Who are they? I WOULD like to meet them and see what they are all about.

[ She was connected to the Six, but something about his idea seemed to intrigue her. Plus the fact that HE sought her out directly for her help? She owed him the courtesy of at least seeing what it was that he was apart of and needed help with.]

Why don't you provide directions and I'll FLY us both there?

[ She stares at him as he seemed a bit NERVOUS about that.]

What? You think I'll DROP YOU? I'm stronger than you AND Haleigh, You'll be like a FEATHER for me to carry.

[ She said with a BIT of humour in her tone as she smirked a bit]

 

[Persephone]

Once alone, Alison immediately embraced Cameron, their hug lasting a few moments. Ava softly smiled at the two, knowing that this entire situation was weighing on the both of them. Alison explained to Cameron directly why she couldn't be here--the same explanation she gave Ava earlier in the day. But she also explained to him that he would DEFINITELY be taken, regardless of the the team did. That made Ava's heart heavy, seeing the expression on Cameron's face as Alison's words sunk in.

Alison then turned to Ava, taking her hand.

Alison:
Ava, you have rebuffed me at every attempt to find out what has been troubling you. Even my baby brother could sense it with his empathy. But I can SEE far more than he can sense.

Ava looked away, avoiding eye contact with both of them. Her face was even and expressionless, but it felt like Alison had just knocked the wind out of her.

Alison: Out of RESPECT for you, I will not share it, but out of NECESSITY for YOU and this team, I must WARN YOU. The most likely time thread...involves you...attempting to save the LIVES of 42 small children. They are cared for by a woman, a psychic/clairvoyant, who Alycia and Sharon have close ties to. The Purifiers...They are going to launch a massive attack against these children and YOU will be in the area, but if you do NOT get yourself together, you will falter...and you will FAIL and those children will not survive.

Ava's eyes widened as she quickly reverted her eyes back to Alison.

"What?"

Alison: Your power is tied to your emotions, Ava. If you are not centered, if you are not in control ...you will be a liability to yourself and those around you.

Ava's eyes lowered, shifting slightly from side to side as Alison's words began to sink in. And then it dawned on her....that was why she was dizzy earlier. Why her head felt like a small nuclear bomb had gone off in it. She hadn't used her abilities in months--pair that with her constant lack of sleep and skewed emotions, no wonder she felt like she had been hit by a mac truck. Her eyes shut, the realization that she might actually have to figure this internal turmoil out quickly. Anxiety began to overtake the goddess.

Alison: Haleigh is going to need the strength and STABILITY of those who are best able to give it. You, Nicolas, Blaze, Alycia. NOT Delilah. She will DEVIATE from the team at some point in the very near future during this caper. Her judgement CANNOT be trusted.

Then Alison twisted the knife saying that Haleigh needed strength....Ava and Cameron knew that something was wrong with her sister and Alison just solidified it. That added to Ava's growing anxiety and concern.

Alison: The Purifiers are not finished...and they are not going to stop even after Cameron is taken. You must prepare yourselves. ALL of you. I will do everything I can on my end.

Ava gently nodded her head, still in some what of a daze after everything Alison said. Between Cameron most definitely being taken, the revelation that Ava might be the cause of 42 innocent children's deaths, and something happening with Haleigh? It was way more to take in than she anticipated.

 

[Prophet]

The Parthenon - Empty Offices

Once they were gathered in the empty administrative offices of The Parthenon, Alison embraced Cameron into a deep and warm hug and he fully embraced her back, burying his head into her shoulder for a moment. Alison's tendency to stay in her fortress of solitude so to speak always made Cameron miss her and now that he was facing capture and death he wanted nothing more than to feel the touch of his sister for what could potentially be the last time.

"It's all happening so fast...and yet, there's a PERSONAL touch to all of it."

:: She said softly as she let Cameron go and stood before him and Ava.::

...

"I am deeply relieved that Sally will recover. Recall acquitted herself QUITE WELL in that situation."

And so did you, Ava, your actions saved Firebird's life.

"I asked you both for a private word, because I have some things I want to say to both of you that are vitally important."

"Cameron, as Ava explained, a big part of the reason why I've been keeping my distance through this and must continue to do so after this time we share, is because the purifiers have a powerful advantage, one that is making my mystic alarms SCREAM to the point of a headache. they have already strike a blow and there are more to come. I must find and REMOVE the source of their "visions", it is the only way the rest of the team will SURVIVE long enough to get to the heart of this threat and neutralize it."

Cameron nodded with understanding. Alison was just about the only person capable of finding something as ominous and mysterious as what she was describing. They needed somebody who was able to move outside of time and space ad Alison was that person.

But there is another part of why I've kept my distance.

:: She looked at him and without hestitation...::

I fucking hate Delilah and I want to KILL her.

:: She said it matter of factly, as one might discuss the findings on a lab report.::

But my love for you is stronger than my hatred of her, so here I am.

Cameron recoiled a bit at her words. He had hoped that time would begin to heal the wounds that the three women had inflicted upon each other but Alison as well as Delilah only seemed to get worse. Thankfully Morgan had removed herself from the situation and the last time he had seen her, she looked far better rested and on a path to recovery.

"Alison...."

Alison: "Now, I need you to listen to me..."

Cameron nodded.

:: Taking his hand into her own::

"You need to be prepared. In less than 24 hours, you WILL be taken. There is NOTHING the others can do to stop it. As I told Ava when I first appeared before her, I spent HOURS viewing all likely and REMOTE time threads leading to and away from both yourself and Cass. In every instance, you ARE taken. It isn't a question of IF...only WHEN."

"I...I thought of TAKING YOU AWAY from here. Even if it was against your will!"

"But that wouldn't be right. I don't want to rob you of your choice, even if I AM trying to protect you. I made that mistake once before...with someone who wasn't even WORTH the effort or concern."

"Moreover, We don't run from our problems. You learned long ago the folly of doing that. And I won't leave the rest of the team to face a bleak outcome either...although if it were just DELILAH?"

Cameron's was taken aback by Alison's words. So there was no avoiding it. Cameron was going to be captured. He was a little furious. He had spent so much time making himself stronger and more apt to defend himself. He HATED being The Six's perpetual victim and to know that there was no choice in the matter now? Well that was just really the icing on the cake. Alison spoke of Delilah as Cameron narrowed his eyes at her.

"Alision? Enough"

:: She smiled sweetly as Cameron chided her a bit for that, she moves on, being serious again::

"RUBY'S life is encompassed by the death glow. They want to make an EXAMPLE of her. While YOU....they want for another purpose. One that is not necessarily THEIR OWN and that is what troubles me. My vision allows me to see the general threat we are facing but there is something BEHIND it. ANOTHER temporal anamoly and yet...it still feels...FAMILIAR to me, as if I should KNOW who it is that is hiding....in PLAIN SIGHT!"

Hearing this troubled Cameron deeply. There wasn't much of anything that Alison couldn't see and the things she couldn't usually meant BIG trouble for The Six. And to know that Cameron's capture was a seemingly PERSONAL endeavour made him tremble a little bit, especially as there was NO WAY of knowing who that might be. The Six had left a wake of destruction in their mission to dismantle MysTech and save the world from destruction. That had left a LOT of people after them. Who knows who Cameorn could have pissed off. Who's plans he could have personally destroyed.

"Well...Let's just make sure I get to Ruby before anything TOO terrible happens."

:: Turning to Ava and taking her hand::

Ava, you have rebuffed me at every attempt to find out what has been troubling you. Even my baby brother could sense it with his empathy. But I can SEE far more than he can sense.

Out of RESPECT for you, I will not share it, but out of NECESSITY for YOU and this team, I must WARN YOU.

If you DON'T find some reconcilliation in yourself within the next 24 hrs? You will be LESS than capable of protecting yourself OR the ones you love.

The most likely time thread...involves you...attempting to save the LIVES of 42 small children. They are cared for by a woman, a psychic/clairvoyant, who Alycia and Sharon have close ties to. The Purifiers...

:: She shuts her eyes::

They are going to launch a massive attack against these children and YOU will be in the area, but if you do NOT get yourself together, you will falter...and you will FAIL and those children will not survive.

Your power is tied to your emotions, Ava. If you are not centered, if you are not in control ...you will be a liability to yourself and those around you. Haleigh is going to need the strength and STABILITY of those who are best able to give it. You, Nicolas, Blaze, Alycia. NOT Delilah. She will DEVIATE from the team at some point in the very near future during this caper. Her judgement CANNOT be trusted.

The Purifiers are not finished...and they are not going to stop even after Cameron is taken.

You must prepare yourselves. ALL of you.

I will do everything I can on my end.

Prepare yourself, Cameron. Ready yourself with the gains you have gained in mind, spirit and power. You will NEED all of your physical and mental skills.

"Damn..."

That was all Cameron could think of when it came to Ava's situation. If he had to choose, he'd much rather be captured and tortured by The Purifiers than be in her shoes. Still, his heart ached for her. Se had been doing so well lately. She had taken a new job opportunity, started a personal 'thing' with Simon. Things were looking up for her lately...but there WAS something wrong with her and he didn't know what it was. She was distant and troubled. He also realized that he hadn't seen JAMES in a really long time, and he wondered if perhaps something had happened between the two of them. It would explain why she was engaging in such a quick affair of the body with Simon and why she might be mentally troubled.

To ALSO know that Delilah was going to deviate from the team soon...It was a lot to handle, especially knowing that Cameron would not be WITH them. That their success as a team was dependent on HALEIGH who ALSO seemed to be going through something herself. The chips seemed stacked against them.

As Alison finished, he turned to Ava.

"Don't tell them my capture is a certainty...let them work on whatever they are working on...and you? Find something you can tell the group you are doing on your own...a fake mission for Alison, whatever...take some time and be with yourself...try and figure some things out...I'd help...but I know the team is going to be all over me in an attempt to keep me safe..."

[he began to make his way towards the door]

"We can't mention anything about Delilah either. Haleigh will try to stop her....and we need her focused...."

Thinking for a moment...he held out his hand to Ava.

"I'll do whatever I can to help you while i'm still here, Ava..."

[turning to Alison]

"Thank You, sis...Now GO...do what must be done. I'll be fine..."

 

[Harbinger]

Private conference

:: Alison looked upon Cameron with an almost....MATERNAL concern in her colbalt blue eyes. They had come so far as individuals, as elder SISTER and baby BROTHER. He said it once before, recently...she may be ICE, but like Morgan, there IS a heart...there IS a core there. He understood that, understood HER, as did Ava. ::

:: She felt his hands trembling::

Oh Cameron...

:: she said softly::

Several times before...I was not aware of your danger and distress, until it was TOO LATE. YOUR... :: stopping herself:: OUR sister was responsible for one of those times in particular.

I dont know how I would have gotten through that time without Haleigh, Morgan, Nicolas, Ava or even...

Delilah....NO, that wretched harpie. she didn't deserve ANY credit for ANYTHING. she was nothing but a stupid, selfish, short sighted COW

:: Alison IMMEDIATELY pushed DELILAH out of her mind. She would not let that gutless COW sully her moment with HER brother.::

:: shaking her head::

I promised that after the Barbas caper, I would keep you safe...even if I had to bind you in mystic chains. BEFORE the blue moon :: looking over to Ava for a moment:: I WOULD do that without a thought.

But...I realize...or better yet I REMEMBER...that I can't CONTROL my loved ones even in the name of protecting them. Morgan and I BOTH have always...had a hard time with walking that line. But we NEVER meant to HURT anyone.

:: Ava and Cameron could see that Alison was struggling for a moment.::

I HATE HER! I WISH SHE HAD STAYED DEAD!

:: Cameron "HEARD" that...and he knew she was SINCERE in her wish. It was shocking...it was heart breaking.::

But sometimes...the wrong thing done for the right reason is still the wrong thing.

:: sighing::

I can't afford to make any mistakes this time. I can't let my concern cloud my judgement. I made that mistake recently...for someone who was a walking FRAUD...while YOU? BOTH of you...

:: She hadn't forgotten what she endured, SURVIVED with Ava in the time stream::

mean a great deal to me.

I know my words aren't easy to hear. I don't share them with you to cause fear or panic. I share them to give you the BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE to meet what is coming with your eyes OPEN.

You may be TAKEN, Cameron, but you will NOT be LOST. And know...that even while the clock is ticking...WE are coming for you, for Cass...for THEM.

If I have to use my magick to show those purifiers what REAL HELL looks like, then so be it. You've LEARNED from your nightmare ordeal with Malice and our sister. You've GROWN since then. You'll proove that you're every bit as tough as HALEIGH when it comes to surviving this. You'll NEED that resilience to help CASS survive as well.

:: Looking to Ava::

Ava, time and again, you've shown how POWERFUL and precise you can be. You and I are NOT that different. We've come to know that over the passing years and now, you face a moment, similar to one I have faced in the past. Struggling with a deep, personal issue that HAUNTS you and even causes you to waver in other areas of your life.

You and I have BOTH shown that we can LIVE with the HARD CHOICES we make. But we've ALSO known the pain, the CHAOS of having the rug pulled out from under us and losing the power of choice.

::HINTING to what Ava knows is troubling her::

The purifiers have spilled so much blood already...don't let them add these children to it. and when this is over and we have Ruby and Prophet BACK? COME TO ME or KAREN...SOMEONE and let us HELP YOU, before it's TOO LATE.

:: an indication that there WAS more to it for Ava and that it wasn't OVER yet. ::

I will speak with Haleigh briefly before I go.

:: She pauses for a moment and then HUGS Cameron again. Then AVA as well::

I love you. Both of you...and I'll see BOTH of you soon.

:: This developing situation really WAS weighing heavily on them all and Alison speaking to Cameron and Ava like this was a telling sign of that::

 

[Orion]

Roses Rooftop

Sharon: Very well. But first, I'll need to contact Alycia.

"By all means."

Rose arrives, and her and Zach meet face to face for the first time. He took over for Alycia and ensured they were well represented in rights to superhuman affairs, but he has not been as 'hands-on' with it as she was.

They go inside, and care is taken to make Katie feel comfortable. Both Zach's phone and his vest are returned to him, along with a timid hug from the girl, which he knelt to receive. The idea that someone tried to hurt this girl because she was a mutant upset him deeply, and he vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to stop these..... 'purifiers' and their crusade of hatred and discrimination.

So help me Gods.....

Sharon advises Rose on their intention to keep an eye on the orphanage, and Zach gives Rose his card with the insistence that she call him directly if he could help in any way.

Zach and Sharon head back up to the roof. She still can't get a hold of Alycia. Zach checks his phone for missed messages, from Haleigh OR the girls at the Clocktower, but there's nothing of interest.

Sharon: Alycia must be...preoccupied with something. It's not like her to be so slow to respond. I have no reason to suspect that she's in direct danger at this time though.

"She's been spending a lot of time with Cameron, I'm sure he'd back her up if there WAS any danger."

Sharon: Now that Katie is safe...you said that you were working with people? Who are they? I WOULD like to meet them and see what they are all about. Why don't you provide directions and I'll FLY us both there?

yeah....... about that........ how can I put this?

Sharon: What? You think I'll DROP YOU? I'm stronger than you AND Haleigh, You'll be like a FEATHER for me to carry.

He smiled gently. He was used to women that were physically stronger than him, and while THAT was awkward enough as a man to accept, this seemed a worse offense to his pride.

"It's not that, Sharon. I have plenty of confidence in your ability. It's just.... being carried by a woman? (Chuckling) Emasculating. I don't think my ego can handle it. How about I tell you how to get there, and we'll meet?"

 

[Prophet]

The Parthenon - Empty Offices

Just as he was about to head to the door, Alison grabbed his hand and held him close to her.

:: She felt his hands trembling::

"Oh Cameron..."

:: she said softly::

"Several times before...I was not aware of your danger and distress, until it was TOO LATE. YOUR... :: stopping herself:: OUR sister was responsible for one of those times in particular."

Cameron thought of Erika every now and then. To be honest it was a rough loss for him. No matter what tortured he suffered at her hands and because of the mental manipulations of Malice...she was still his sister..and just one person in a long line that had been tainted by the thrall of dark magick and manipulated by Diana herself. Had Erika simply maintained her distance from them..had she just kept her mouth shut and lived her life as a Criminal Profiler in Newport Beach...she could have lived a decent life. When he met her...she was a strong woman, righteous in her belief that absolute power corrupts absolutely...but she was weaker than Cameron and Alison. She saw the relationship the two were beginning to build and she became jealous...of their relationship and of Alison's powers. She might as well have SKIPPED into Malice's arms at that point. Still..Cameron couldn't help but feel that his middle sister, Erika..a woman he had just learned to love was a GLARING example of what magick can do in the hands of the weak.

He stopped her for a moment and squeezed her hand. He was trying to be strong for his sister.

"Well..somehow we made it to the other side...No sense in looking back anymore, Al."

"I dont know how I would have gotten through that time without Haleigh, Morgan, Nicolas, Ava or even..."

"Delilah....NO, that wretched harpie. she didn't deserve ANY credit for ANYTHING. she was nothing but a stupid, selfish, short sighted COW!"

:: Alison IMMEDIATELY pushed DELILAH out of her mind. She would not let that gutless COW sully her moment with HER brother.::

:: shaking her head::

"I promised that after the Barbas caper, I would keep you safe...even if I had to bind you in mystic chains. BEFORE the blue moon :: looking over to Ava for a moment:: I WOULD do that without a thought."

"But...I realize...or better yet I REMEMBER...that I can't CONTROL my loved ones even in the name of protecting them. Morgan and I BOTH have always...had a hard time with walking that line. But we NEVER meant to HURT anyone."

:: Ava and Cameron could see that Alison was struggling for a moment.::


"I HATE HER! I WISH SHE HAD STAYED DEAD!"

:: Cameron "HEARD" that...and he knew she was SINCERE in her wish. It was shocking...it was heart breaking.::

But sometimes...the wrong thing done for the right reason is still the wrong thing.

:: sighing::

"I can't afford to make any mistakes this time. I can't let my concern cloud my judgement. I made that mistake recently...for someone who was a walking FRAUD...while YOU? BOTH of you..."

:: She hadn't forgotten what she endured, SURVIVED with Ava in the time stream::

mean a great deal to me.

He hated seeing his sister like this. He pulled her closer to him and glanced at Ava for a moment before turning back.

"I hate to break it to you sister....but that wasn't your FIRST mistake...and it won't be your LAST. You acted in accordance to your beliefs and it didn't go as planned...but you REALIZE it..you SEE it and understand it...and while...you may HATE her for what's happened...You shouldn't have to be a SEER to see that whatever THIS [the Delilah situation] is...has the potential to END us...Just ask Blaze [her timeline]...Don't say...don't even THINK you want her dead Alison...because the lives we lead? It's a very real possibility..and I know that's something you can't live with."

"I know my words aren't easy to hear. I don't share them with you to cause fear or panic. I share them to give you the BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE to meet what is coming with your eyes OPEN."

"You may be TAKEN, Cameron, but you will NOT be LOST. And know...that even while the clock is ticking...WE are coming for you, for Cass...for THEM."

"If I have to use my magick to show those purifiers what REAL HELL looks like, then so be it. You've LEARNED from your nightmare ordeal with Malice and our sister. You've GROWN since then. You'll proove that you're every bit as tough as HALEIGH when it comes to surviving this. You'll NEED that resilience to help CASS survive as well."

Cameron smiled and nodded.

"Ominous visions of the future are never easy to hear Al..and I think you NEED to hear right now how grateful I am to have you here to warn us. I know you're still raw about things..but you have a job that only YOU can do...and you can't apologize for it *EVERY* time the news isn't good...because let's face it...you don't ever see us winning the lottery or buying a puppy.." [winking]

[about being compared to Haleigh] "And thanks for the compliment. To be honest..while of course i'm scared...if being tortured by MALICE has done anything for me...it's made me known just exactly how much I can take of something..and it taught me to survive...A side effect I don't think even SHE thought about...My goal is to get to Cass and make sure SHE doesn't give in or give up..."

:: Looking to Ava::

"Ava, time and again, you've shown how POWERFUL and precise you can be. You and I are NOT that different. We've come to know that over the passing years and now, you face a moment, similar to one I have faced in the past. Struggling with a deep, personal issue that HAUNTS you and even causes you to waver in other areas of your life."

"You and I have BOTH shown that we can LIVE with the HARD CHOICES we make. But we've ALSO known the pain, the CHAOS of having the rug pulled out from under us and losing the power of choice."

::HINTING to what Ava knows is troubling her::

"The purifiers have spilled so much blood already...don't let them add these children to it. and when this is over and we have Ruby and Prophet BACK? COME TO ME or KAREN...SOMEONE and let us HELP YOU, before it's TOO LATE."

He looked at Ava with a curious eye. Again, their relationship had more than gotten off on the wrong foot. When Ava and Cameron met...Cameron was simply the man always meddling in Haleigh's relationships..she HATED him because she adored Zach. Flashforward years later, they were no co-workers and more importantly friends. Whatever she was going through was big...big enough for Alison to mention it. He had grown to respect Ava in a way he didn't think possible because at every turn she was a friend that understood Alison's nature better than anybody, some could even argue better than Morgan, after what Ava and Alison went through together. She was a rock for his sister, and so in turn, he would be a rock for her if she needed it.

Cameron put his arm around Ava for a moment and gave her a squeeze.

:: an indication that there WAS more to it for Ava and that it wasn't OVER yet. ::

"I will speak with Haleigh briefly before I go."

:: She pauses for a moment and then HUGS Cameron again. Then AVA as well::

"I love you. Both of you...and I'll see BOTH of you soon."

:: This developing situation really WAS weighing heavily on them all and Alison speaking to Cameron and Ava like this was a telling sign of that::

"I love you, too Al..."

she gave him a hug and then gave Ava one as well. This was definitely a more emotional side of Alison than he was used to seeing but it was DEFINITELY improvement from the almost completely BROKEN woman he had seen at Aerie a few months ago. She was getting better...in her own way. He turned to Ava and placed his hand on her shoulder as Alison left the room to get Haleigh.

....

"I love you too, Ava...we're gonna get through this. We're gonna be fine..and you are GOING to save those children...because you have no other choice...and nobody boxes you into a corner. You are a fighter...you are strong and you are tenacious...and if you don't believe me? Ask anybody else in that room. Now let's go, shall we?"

He placed his hand out for her.

 

[Persephone]

Cameron: "Don't tell them my capture is a certainty...let them work on whatever they are working on...and you? Find something you can tell the group you are doing on your own...a fake mission for Alison, whatever...take some time and be with yourself...try and figure some things out...I'd help...but I know the team is going to be all over me in an attempt to keep me safe..."

As sweet as it was for Cameron to be looking out for HER even though HE was the one in danger, Ava shook her head.

"I'm not going to stand by and do nothing while you're taken, Cameron. I'll figure this out..."

Cameron: "We can't mention anything about Delilah either. Haleigh will try to stop her....and we need her focused...."

That one Ava agreed on. The looming factor of Delilah going awol was scary to say the least. Everyone knew Delilah was in a...."special" place, but Ava honestly never thought it would go as far as her defecting from the six. If that information got out now, everyone would be destracted and torn different directions as to what to do.

Cameron: "I'll do whatever I can to help you while i'm still here, Ava..."

Ava looked at Cameron for a moment...he really was an amazing person. His life was on the line and he didn't care. He seemed to care more about HER than anything. That caused Ava to pause, realizing how much Cameron had grown as a person, and how close they had really become. Watching as Alison took Cameron's hand, he was trembling. Ava's eyes softened realizing how much of a strong front he was putting on for everyone. He was terrified of being taken--and frankly, it was a terrifying thought KNOWING you were going to be kidnapped and tortured, and not be able to do a damn thing about it. Alison and Cameron had a moment together, one that only a brother and sister could. It also showed just how much Alison cared for Cameron as well. People didn't give Alison enough credit for being a loving person. They just assume she was a heartless bitch. Maybe it was because Ava could relate--EVERYONE either thinks or thought she's a heartless bitch too. But there were so many more layers to Alison Marble. Ava knew this even before now; but witnessing this tender moment between Cameron and her solidified that even more.

They both had grown into amazingly strong people. Alison was truly her best friend, which was strange because Ava always had such a connection with Morgan because of her ties with Darkchilde. But with Alison, she understood her methods of doing the things that she does. She understood why she was so stealy and cold. And she surely understood just how much this woman could endure....because they endured the worst together. So as Alison looked upon her now, Ava didn't try to hide the pain that was radiating from her eyes.

Alison: Ava, time and again, you've shown how POWERFUL and precise you can be. You and I are NOT that different. We've come to know that over the passing years and now, you face a moment, similar to one I have faced in the past. Struggling with a deep, personal issue that HAUNTS you and even causes you to waver in other areas of your life. You and I have BOTH shown that we can LIVE with the HARD CHOICES we make. But we've ALSO known the pain, the CHAOS of having the rug pulled out from under us and losing the power of choice.

Ava's eyes became glassy. She blinked a few times, trying to keep the welling tears at bay.

Alison: The purifiers have spilled so much blood already...don't let them add these children to it. and when this is over and we have Ruby and Prophet BACK? COME TO ME or KAREN...SOMEONE and let us HELP YOU, before it's TOO LATE.

Looking down, Ava took in a few even breaths trying to calm her growing anxiety. She gently nodded, acknowledging Alison's warning.

"I'm not going to let those children die. And i'm not going to give up until you're safe, Cameron."

It were the only words she could think of saying. Because at this point, all Ava wanted to do was scream at the top of her lungs until they burned from lack of oxygen.

Alison: I love you. Both of you....and i'll see BOTH of you soon.

Hugging Alison, Ava softly responded.

"Love you too, A."

Ava watched as Alison left, heading back to the conference room to speak with Haleigh. Ava stood there silently for a moment...her eyes staring blankly at the empty doorway.

Cameron: "I love you too, Ava."

That caused Ava to look at Cameron, her expression still looking somewhat in a daze.

Ava: "We're gonna get through this. We're gonna be fine..and you are GOING to save those children...because you have no other choice...and nobody boxes you into a corner. You are a fighter...you are strong and you are tenacious...and if you don't believe me? Ask anybody else in that room. Now let's go, shall we?"

His words were direct and strong. He wasn't trying to convince her, he was TELLING her.

"I know. We always do seem to survive, don't we? But as for you? You give those mother fuckers HELL. And you tell them that there's only ONE God in this world--ME."

Ava joked with a grin.

"And that i'm going to kill every last one of them."

Ava gave him a warm smile and took his hand.

"I love you too, Cameron. And I will make them suffer for what they're going to do to you, I promise you that."

 

[Silver Swan]

Outside of the Clock Tower

yeah....... about that........ how can I put this?



He smiled gently. He was used to women that were physically stronger than him, and while THAT was awkward enough as a man to accept, this seemed a worse offense to his pride.

"It's not that, Sharon. I have plenty of confidence in your ability. It's just.... being carried by a woman? (Chuckling) Emasculating. I don't think my ego can handle it. How about I tell you how to get there, and we'll meet?"

[ Even with her silver eye mask on, she looks at Zach in disbelief before folding her arms and scoffing]

I REALLY thought you were BEYOND the petty trappings of MACHO PRIDE, Zachary.

[ Sharon said rather loudly as unfolded her arms and waved her hand dismissively]

But have it your way.

[ Provides the directions as they agreed to meet there, he disappears via his transport device, while Sharon and her silver gryfalcons take off into the night sky]

[ He beats her there, of course, as his device allows him a movement similar to Morgan's teleporting or Alison's blinking, but Sharon doesnt make too bad a time getting there herself as she and her unique birds zoom through the sky and around buildings with ease, finally reaching the Clock Tower. They swoop down. Artemis and Antiope perch in a tree nearby while Sharon lands with perfect form on the ground, once again facing Zach]

And now that we've preserved your male pride, would you care to summon your associates? Shall I stand BEHIND you?

[ She asked with balatant sarcasm in her tone as she stood there, looking around and surveying the area. This clock tower, she hadn't paid attention to it BEFORE, but it was nestled in between some much more imposing architecture for sure.]

[ It was also rather QUIET around here. There wasnt much of usual "white noise" Sharon would hear from people and their "internal" rhythms to filter out. That struck her as unusal as well]

Who are these people? What can you tell me about them?

 

[Orion]

Back at the Clocktower

Sharon: I REALLY thought you were BEYOND the petty trappings of MACHO PRIDE, Zachary.

He gave her a look that said 'cut me some slack here', and then shrugged.

"You know who usually gets carried? The weak, the sick, the young, and brides on their wedding night. Please forgive me for not wanting to be added to that list."

Sharon: have it your way.

"I do appreciate it."

He gave her directions, then activated his watch. He reappeared within seconds in a dark alley beside the Clocktower. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Zizi, letting her know that Sharon was inbound. Then he texted Haleigh.

To Haleigh>> Handling a situation on my end, are you okay??

From Haleigh>> I'll live, and so will Sally. We are working on recovering CJ. Watch yourself out there, these goons are after Supers.

To Haleigh>> Wilco. I love you.

From Haleigh>> Ditto.

Sharon swooped down, accompanied by her birds.

Sharon: and now that we've preserved your male pride, would you care to summon your associates? Shall I stand BEHIND you?

He smirked, shaking his head softly. This was one of the reasons he'd ended up pursuing Haleigh. She understood the little things, and allowed small concessions to his ego without a second thought. With Haleigh it was never a matter of standing in front of or behind him. They stood BESIDE each other in everything. That was why SHE was the woman he wanted to spend his life with.

"That really won't be necessary, Sharon. Again, I'm much obliged to your consideration. Now we'll be headed up to the top of this Clocktower. We can take the lift, you're welcome to lead the way if you wish."

And so they went. On the way, Zach filled Sharon in on the two women who lived here. He told her that Valkyrie was a police detective on the Superhuman task force, and that Oracle was a good friend who'd helped Clandestine on a contractual basis in the past with a variety of issues.

Upon reaching the door, Zach guffawed, because it was hanging crooked on its hinges and held closed by the short chain he'd affixed earlier. Sharon raised an eyebrow at his reaction.

"An earlier victim to my masculinity.... There were alarms, I thought the women were in trouble and blasted my way in. Turns out I overreacted."

He knocked this time, fighting back a smile.

"Ladies? It's Orion. The Silver Swan is here with me."

 

[Oracle]

The Clocktower

Her phone beeped signaling that she had a text message. Oracle was busy backtracking some of the tech she’d seen the Purifiers using in their various sightings, and she didn’t look up from her work. Until there was a knock and Zach called through the broken door.

"Ladies? It's Orion. The Silver Swan is here with me."

Oracle pushed back from the desk and wheeled herself to the front door, greeting her guests with a broad smile and waving them inside.

“Come in, come in! Oh, Zach, sweetie I’m getting you a big old cupcake for knocking this time!”

[turns to Sharon]

“As I live and breathe – Silver Swan! It is a pleasure to meet you. Please come in and have a seat.”

She turned and led them into the seating area.

“Zach – first things first – is the girl safe?”

And to Sharon:

“Is there anything I can get you? Something to eat or drink? Valkyrie is out, unfortunately - she has second shift at the precinct tonight.”

 

[Harbinger]

Parthenon- conference with Black Widow

:: Harbinger returned to the conference room, with a slightly less severe look on her face as she once again surveyed the room. Firebird, Charope, Rampage, even Recall, ALL "checked out" in her view of time threads leading to/away from the group and situation. But MorningStar? The woman was out of her mind and her every word, her every action underscored it. Harbinger wouldnt waste time by letting the OTHERS outside of Haleigh, Ava and Cameron know about her foolish attempt to confront MALICE in broad daylight and risk not only ending the truce at the WORST moment but on MALICE'S terms, opening the team to another deadly level of problems. No, she wouldn't do that now because she already saw what was coming down the road regarding Haleigh and HER conversation with Delilah on that wreckless move.::


::Alison's immediate desire was to speak to Haleigh, in private. She owed her this conversation. She wanted Haleigh to succeed and she believed in her teammate...her FRIEND.::

Haleigh? I need to see you.

:: Alison said calmly but leaving no room for a delay or rejection. She stood at the door as Cameron and Ava were walking in and as Haleigh got up and walked through it, Alison closed the door behind them and lead them back to the same room where she'd been with Cameron and Ava.::

:: After a few moments of silence...::

Haleigh, I want you to know that I trust you. I meant what I said on Aerie a few months ago. Ever since the two of US came together to fill in the gap left by Spellbinder's "death"...even BEFORE that...when I came to you regarding the events of Master Mold as I saw them unfold...I know I can trust you.

I know you don't like what's happened between Delilah, myself and Morgan, but there's nothing you can do about THAT. Even if you were to somehow discover a miracle measure...a cure for Alexia's uncontrollable power activation, it would not change anything regarding the three of us. Delilah is worse than an enemy. She played at being a friend...all this time...when she never really understood OR accepted Morgan and myself.

:: holding up her hand::

But I didn't call you to a private audience to talk about HER.

Haleigh, all of this will get worse, before it gets better. I need you to understand that, take this seriously and be PREPARED. I can't be with you during this caper. Not directly. I have a job to do on the back end, one that will give you all a fighting chance. You must LEAD this team through this. You must draw on the strength, the support of Firebird, Charope, Rampage, Persephone and Prophet while he's still here.

:: It was TELLING that Harbinger did NOT mention Delilah and Haleigh knew Alison well enough to know that when she was delivering vision/precognitive WARNINGS, sometimes it was the things she DIDN'T say that were just as important/alarming as the things she DID say.::


Haleigh, there are things that I know are coming...for CERTAIN...regarding this caper, that I CAN'T tell you, because it will directly ALTER your course of action, which in turn will leave the team VULNERABLE and waste valuable time. For your sake and their's, I must not.

BUT...

:: Taking one of Haleigh's hands into her own::

If there's ANYONE that I trust with MY baby brother's BACK, it's YOU. You helped carry him through that ordeal in the Citadel. One that *I* had a hand in and you displayed EMPATHY toward me on Aerie, sharing your own experiences of the pain of loss/defeat while commanding a group in the field, due to mistakes.

You're struggling...just as you were when the Silver Swan first emerged.

:: Haleigh would recall that Harbinger WASN'T THERE for any of that, but it was a reminder of the far reaches her precog/retrocognition::

You've had at least two "black outs" within 24 hours.

:: She looks into Haleigh's eyes with concern::

Do NOT spread yourself too thin, Haleigh. LIVES are at stake. Both within this team, and scores of INNOCENTS who are in the path of the Purifier's rage. I've been where you are...you've been where I am. We understand each other...and that is why we were able to come together when the team was facing it's darkest hour.

Now we must work from opposite ends, to meet the shared goal.

:: She speaks a bit more severely as she squeezes Haleigh's hand::

With that in mind, HEED my warning. Whatever happens...particuarly in the next 24 hours. Whatever you see...do NOT overreach in your attempt to control the situation. If you do that, you will REMOVE YOURSELF from my crystalline chessboard and you will leave the scales tipped in TERRIFYING favor of the Purifiers.

Lead with consistency, for the team will need it. Do NOT let emotions make you waver.

:: One last important part::

Do NOT try to stop Delilah...when she DEVIATES from the team. Ruby and Prophet's LIVES depend on that. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?

You've trusted me, just as I've trusted you.

Remember the night I revealed to you the events of Master Mold and what I told you you could NOT do and WHY. REMEMBER that as I have shared this warning with you now. It is not a subjective vision...it is a precognitive WARNING.

:: She gives Haleigh a chance to respond::

 

[Firebird]

Parthenon

Seeing Harbinger brutally question the purifier didn't bother Blaze. THAT bothered HER. Alison was being CRUEL and she she was doing it in a way that ONLY she could. But nothing would come of it. The woman was obviously prepared to die and the trap she had waiting inside of her was as bizarre as it was TERRIFYING. Harbinger put the "freeze" on that trap and showed them what would have happened if they'd gone in their own way. It made Blaze's heart skip a beat. In moments like this, the way Morgan and Alison did things didn't seem so BAD. They were in DEEP. None of them seemed to understand it before when it came to this new threat, but that understanding was weighing heavily on them all NOW.


Firebird was weary, but ALIVE, thanks to Vivica and Ava. She'd had close calls in her own timeline, during those vicious running battles with Mystech, sentinels, psychic hounds...in a way, THIS was a wake up call. Maybe the events of HER timeline wouldn't manifest here, but there would always been plenty of other grave threats, threats that cut deep and hit HOME.

She kept thinking about Sally. That awful cry she heard as Sally was stabbed and shot. she hadn't yet told the others that she murdered two of the purifiers outright. It wasn't like anyone else on the team hadn't taken a life before. She'd done it herself in her own timeline, but there was something about the way it all happened here and in front of Vivica. Delilah had taken to calling her "Morgan Jr." lately, an attempt to INSULT her for being more like her sister, and while that didn't bother Blaze, what DID bother her was that in that moment with the Purifiers, she totally felt the RAGE that her sister often struggled with. Morgan had a FIERCE need to PROTECT her loved ones, and sometimes that lead her to go OVERBOARD. Blaze tried to tell her that on aerie, in the aftermath of the Blue moon when she struggled to keep the blowout between Morgan/Delilah/Alison from happening, but NOW? With Delilah's shitty behavior, the emergence of the Purifiers and Sally being hurt...nearly KILLED? Blaze was DEFINITELY feeling MORE like Morgan and understanding of her BRUTAL ways. But was this a good thing? Even Vivica realized that Blaze usually demonstrated a respect and VALUE for life. Was that now burned away by tonight's events?

She looked over at Vivica. The sparkle in her apple green eyes was hardly there right now, but she held Vivica's hand. While Alison conversed with some of the others, Blaze took a moment to talk with Vivica.

"Viv...you saved my life."

She said softly.

"Sally's too."

"Sally was hurt because of ME. I let her go outside and I shouldn't have."

Blaze bowed her head in shame.

"You know...I tried to tell Morgan that sometimes, in her efforts to protect her loved ones, she could sometimes be CONTROLLING with it...but now? I'm wondering...is that REALLY such a bad thing? I mean, I certainly wouldn't have disrespected Sally, but I just...I just should NOT have let her go out there and by the time we got to her, it was too late. All I COULD do...all i WANTED to do was..."


::FLASH!::

<< Rapid fire montage of Firebird BRUTALLY dispatching the two Purifiers without hesitation, without conscious thought, as Recall SCREAMS her name trying to get her attention.>>

Sighing

"The Purifiers struck hard...and they knew to hit where it would hurt. I feel like I've gotten lazy. I should've been prepared. I went through something like this in my own timeline, when Mystech, backed by the government, struck hard and KILLED over a dozen of our loved ones in one deadly pass. Cameron and yourself were among those casualties."

"I'm no little bo peep, by any means...but this group, they're acting with supreme confidence and urgency. They have something we don't see yet...and until Harbinger takes that advantage away from them...there's no telling what they'll do next."

"They've TAKEN Ruby! They could be doing ANYTHING to her and we don't know where they are and Prophet is next. There are people in this room who still manage to doubt the clarity or accuracy of Harbinger's visions, but I don't. Not only did I see her visions come to pass in my timeline, but also in this one. "

 

[Silver Swan]

Clocktower

[Sharon walked with Zachary. He was rather different now from his days as her page when she was a Senator. He seemed more seasoned, centered and yet, the same calm gentility was there. Even BEFORE Sharon had become an amazon, she was often labeled by her male colleagues in the senate as "an amazon" but thier "pet name" was not meant for flattery. Sharon COULD be aggressive, she had to be sometimes. But there were other times where she was struggling...oh hell, an absolute MESS behind closed doors. Zach saw more than most back then and yet, he didn't turn away from her. In fact, he helped her in ways that really laid the foundation for her journey to where she is now. She was still a bit of a mystery to him at times and now as the Silver Swan, she was more aggressive and tempermental at times, but he still saw the essential pieces of SHARON and that's how he chose to deal with her and she was intrigued by him. The romantic interest had long faded and the two remained friends...or at least FRIENDLY. Perhaps NOW they could truly reestablish their FRIENDSHIP again? It was this subtle human themes, even in the midst of danger and disaster, that prooved that no matter where they went or who they became, they were all still "only human".]

[ Inside the clock tower and up the stairs, Zachary briefs Sharon on the women, Elizabeth and Ashley. She'd never heard of either of them. Ashley came to "the force" after Sharon, Alycia and even Delilah had "retired" from their various positions and Elizabeth? Well, Sharon didn't know it yet...but there was an indirect connection between them that had existed for some time. She would find THAT out in due time]

[ For now, it was team to see just who Zach was working with and if it was possible for Sharon to work with them. The double doors to Oracle's loft were...off their hinges to put it mildly. Zachary explained and Sharon smirked]

Always looking for the next damsel in distress?

[ She ribbed him abit, referring back to the "macho pride" she spoke of earlier. She meant no harm really. At least Zachary was honest and genuine about his feelings]

[ She enters along with him. She noticeably does not mentally command her silver eye mask to recede from her face, instead retaining her full on Silver Swan visage as she looks around for a moment]

Oracle pushed back from the desk and wheeled herself to the front door, greeting her guests with a broad smile and waving them inside.

“Come in, come in! Oh, Zach, sweetie I’m getting you a big old cupcake for knocking this time!”

[ Sharon looked at Elizabeth. She seemed very friendly. Her internal rhythms suggested no hint of deception or distress at the sight of Sharon herself. THAT was a good sign and apparently she was able to take Zachary's male pride tendencies in stride. How cute. ]

[turns to Sharon]

“As I live and breathe – Silver Swan! It is a pleasure to meet you. Please come in and have a seat.”

She turned and led them into the seating area.

Greetings.

Thank you.

[ Sharon said in a calm, cordial tone]

You've...heard of me?

[ She followed Zach in to the seating area. She was reluctant to sit down at first. But there as no danger here that she could see or here, so she seated herself]



“Zach – first things first – is the girl safe?”

[THIS got Sharon's attention as she quickly turned to look at Oracle]

YES, Katie is safe. *I* made sure of that.

[ Sharon paused for a moment. Zach DID tell her that he became aware of Katie through the people he was working with.]

My apologies. I am...slightly on edge right now.

“Is there anything I can get you? Something to eat or drink? Valkyrie is out, unfortunately - she has second shift at the precinct tonight.”

...

[Sharon didn't require sustenance nearly as often as she did when she was a normal baseline human. But she had taste for fresh fruit every now and then.]

If you have any fresh fruit, that would be quite nice, thank you.

I'd like to ask, how did you know about Katie?

[ Clearly there was more to the woman than meets the eye and Sharon wanted to know more about her. They obviously had some ways and means to be informed about Katie even as Sharon had come to her rescue...]

 

[Oracle]

You've...heard of me?

Oracle smiled warmly.

“Well…it’s kind of my business to know people. And I’ve seen you in action, of course – from afar. That’s sort of my specialty too. But don’t worry, I don’t kiss and tell. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Elizabeth York. But please, you must call me Zizi – everyone does.”

YES, Katie is safe. *I* made sure of that. My apologies. I am...slightly on edge right now.

Oracle waved her hand.

“Not to worry – it’s understandable. Just glad the girl is going to be okay.”

If you have any fresh fruit, that would be quite nice, thank you.

I'd like to ask, how did you know about Katie?

Oracle wheeled herself into the kitchen area, and took several glass containers out of the refrigerator, then arranged a variety of different fruit on a tray and brought it back to the living area. She set it gently down on the coffee table in front of Zach & Silver Swan.

“I just sliced them this afternoon – I’m quite a fresh fruit fan myself.”

She returned to her place across from them.

“As for Katie…my team was monitoring security and satellite feeds for any sign of the Purifiers when we landed upon the group that was after Katie. And then you ‘landed upon’ them.”

Zizi laughed at her own joke and smiled.

“It was very impressive, the way you helped that girl. And you know Zach.”

Zizi smiled over at him, then with a more serious face leaned forward towards Silver Swan.

“I’m not going to lie – we could use your help on this. Not only because you have an edge in finding these guys, but because you know someone else we’re looking for: Dominique Devereaux, Nicolas King’s aunt, code named Isis. We think she is behind the bones that were found in the park – definitely Purifier, her MO, and there’s footage of her in the area at the time of the murder. We also think she took the bodies of two young children that the Purifiers most likely murdered. But we don’t know why.”

She anticipated an argument from Silver Swan.

“I may not be a mutant but I’ve worked with them my whole career – they’re my friends, my family. This is a threat that faces us all – and we don’t have the luxury of time to figure it all out.”

She took a breath and wheeled forward a bit. She didn't have time to mince her words - this might be the only conversation she got to have with Silver Swan.

“Silver Swan – Sharon – why did the Purifiers mention St. Patrick’s Cathedral to you? I know that’s where you first…appeared. Why was it important to them?”

 

[Orion]

The Clocktower

Sharon: Always looking for the next damsel in distress?

(Smirking) "I have a really BAD savior complex."

Oracle: Come in, come in! Oh, Zach, sweetie I’m getting you a big old cupcake for knocking this time!

(Chuckling) "See? I CAN be taught! By the way, I'll have a repairman out here first thing tomorrow. I'd say 'it'll never happen again.... but I can't make THAT promise. If I think you're in trouble, I'll do whatever it takes..... You understand, don't you?"

They came in and sat down in the living room.

Oracle: Zach – first things first – is the girl safe?

Sharon: YES, Katie is safe. *I* made sure of that.

Ooh, it seems someone ELSE has a bit of an ego as well.

Sharon: My apologies. I am...slightly on edge right now.

Oracle: Not to worry – it’s understandable. Just glad the girl is going to be okay.

Zizi offered refreshments, and Sharon accepted. Zach had to tame his instinct to get up and help-- Zizi was perfectly capable, even with her disadvantage, but that didn't change his inclination to want to help. Zizi came back in with a tray of fruit and got right down to business, bringing up Dominique.

"Dominique is definitely having a rough time of it..... I don't want to betray her confidence, but based on what I got from her earlier, I'd say she's definitely going to be inclined to continue confronting purifiers, and if she's interested in joining forces? She'd make a powerful ally."

Oracle: Silver Swan – Sharon – why did the Purifiers mention St. Patrick’s Cathedral to you? I know that’s where you first… appeared. Why was it important to them?

Zach was definitely familiar with the Cathedral. It was the place he and Haleigh were going to be married, before everything got derailed. He had kept track of the news regarding the old landmark.

"You know, it fell into disrepair after..... the...... events......of the debut of Silver Swan. For a while, I was afraid they'd demolish it, I was talking with Infrared about her possibly purchasing the place and keeping it for photo shoot opportunities, but then they began the renovations..... it's been closed this whole time, I think. It's be a great base of operations for a misguided mob of religious zealots."